FACULTY LEARNING COMMUNITIES –

Groups of faculty join to discuss common interests, examine teaching and learning, and learn together through discussion and research. One such group is the Environmental Awareness/Community Activism Learning Community. Members of Faculty Learning Communities often present their findings or outcomes of their projects during faculty development sessions.


FACULTY GRANTS AND AWARDS –

Each academic year, faculty are invited to submit proposals for grants they can use to pursue academic endeavors or professional development. Likewise, faculty are nominated for a number of awards for excellence in teaching. Proposals and nominations for these grants and awards are submitted to the Faculty Development Committee.

MENTORING -

NEW FACULTY
The Center for Teaching Excellence conducts programs during new-faculty orientation that not only introduce newcomers to the Fairmont State University Community and one another, but also orient them to the teaching/learning environment on campus.

The Center focuses introductory sessions on effective instructional design, teaching strategies, and day-to-day management of students and student data.

In addition to the New Faculty Orientation, all new faculty are involved in The Mentoring Program.

MENTORNET 
The “MentorNet” operates out of the Center for Teaching Excellence. Past winners of the William A. Boram Award for Teaching Excellence mentor other faculty members, offering assistance particularly to those who are teaching within the award winners' areas of expertise.

Also, members of the MentorNet--select faculty members from each of FSU's colleges and schools and FSC&TC's schools--are available for help. Members also serve on the advisory board for the Center.

PRIVATE CONSULTATION  
The Center offers faculty private, personalized assistance with solving problems related to classroom instruction. Private consultations permit freedom of discussion regarding student evaluations, student/teacher interactions, and classroom dynamics. This sharing forms the basis for specific help tailored to the faculty member's needs, personal and professional goals, and skill level. Consultations may focus on instructional design, student assignments, pedagogical techniques and strategies, assessment techniques, grading practices, or other related issues. Faculty should contact Nancy McClure to schedule a private consultation.

CTE RESOURCE CENTER –

The Center maintains a Resource Center, including a small library of teaching-related materials which any faculty member may borrow. These materials include: books on instructional theory and design, journals on teaching and learning, lists of curriculum-related websites, “how-to” pamphlets, sample lesson plans, cooperative learning activities, icebreakers, and teaching tips in a variety of formats.

The Center also receives notification about and keeps a database on upcoming teaching-and-learning conferences. Other resources will be added upon faculty request.